Bedside Sleeper Cot
A bedside sleeper cot (also called bassinet) is attached to the side of your bed to ensure that your baby is close enough to be able to enjoy feeding at night, but is safe in their own bed. Our mums love how they are easy to reach, and they can also pivot the sides and drop them to reach closer.
Safety
A bedside sleeper cot allows babies to be within reach of parents' beds for nighttime feeding, providing comfort and monitoring, without putting them at risk with bed-sharing (which could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The cots are made to conform to NHS guidelines on co-sleeping. bedside baby bed are recommended by childcare experts such as director of the Mother-Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory Dr McKenna.
They also provide instant breastfeeding support and can help babies feel more secure by keeping them close to their parents, creating healthy attachments that assist with milestones in development. It is essential that parents search for bassinets that are easy to clean and safe to use. ensure they have been tested and certified by a reliable agency such as JPMA.
In 2023, ASTM updated their version of the standard F2906 that is voluntary for bedside sleepers due to the newer products which convert from a baby bassinet to a bedside sleeper by dropping a side rail in front of a bed for adults. This allows a portion of the lower side to be elevated over the mattress and poses an increased chance of getting trapped. The CPSC's direct rule incorporates this 2023 revision to the current mandatory standard in section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) for products for toddlers and infants that have been used for more than 180 days. It is expected to decrease the chance of injury.
Remember that a bassinet, or bedside sleeper, should not be used in conjunction with pillows or blankets. This could pose an entrapment risk since young babies are unable to raise their heads high enough to free them from soft objects. A reclining position could cause the head tip to tilt forward, which can block their airway. Always place your child on their backs when using a bassinet, crib or play yard. Use a fitted sheet that meets the federal requirements.
Convenience
A baby who is close to you at night can help to strengthen the bond between infants and their parents. Bassets for bedside sleepers are firmly attached to the sides of your mattress which allows you to easily reach your baby for diaper changes, feedings and comforting in the middle of the night. We looked for models that had mesh sides that were translucent and easy to see through, allowing you to monitor your child without stepping up from bed.
It is essential that the bassinet you select is deemed safe for infants by an independent testing agency and that it meets the specifications of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Make sure you choose a large base, a sturdy attachment mechanism and sturdy construction that will stop the bassinet from tipping over. A breathable mattress should also be considered.
Find models that have the option of manual rocking. It will be gentle on your baby's skin and help them fall asleep. Some models also come with tilting options which can be beneficial for babies suffering from reflux or colic but should only be used under the supervision of your doctor or health care professional.
Some bassinets come with a mattress and some require you to purchase one separately. Find a mattress made to fit the bedside sleeper. Second-hand mattresses can be too soft, and could pose a SIDS risk. You should also purchase a breathable fitted sheet for your bed and a blanket for your baby. Be sure to check the fabric lining. The foam mattress are machine washable to make cleaning easier. A storage shelf or basket is a great option to store things like nappies, clothes and muslins. There are models that have wheels to help you move it around the house.
Support for breastfeeding
If you decide to breastfeed, a cot that sleeps at your bedside will help you make the most of your feedings at night. By securing to your bed, it allows you to easily reach across when baby wakes for a feed. The side of the cot can be adjusted to create a shallow bed for sleeping side-by-side. Some models also tilt to support reflux.
The curving sides of the cot mean that it's easy to spot your baby and they won't fall off the side as you lift them up for feeding. Some cots for bedside sleepers feature an automatic rocking function that can help calm your baby and help them to fall asleep faster after a meal.
When it comes to keeping baby clean, a cozy fabric and removable bedding that can be machine-washed are a great option. Certain models come with gentle rocking and vibration features which can help soothe your baby into sleep. Ample storage space is a bonus for breastfeeding mums.
Bed-sharing is very popular for breastfeeding mothers as it is convenient and provides the mother with a close relationship with her baby during their sleep. Research shows that breastfed babies who share a bed with their mothers are more successful than babies who are bottle-fed. It is vital to be aware of the hazards and practices that come with bed-sharing with a newborn baby and pick a suitable mattress for your infant.
Some in-bed sleepers have soft surfaces or padding around their edges, which may cause your baby to become entrapped. You also need to be cautious not to let the bedside sleeper slide backwards, forming an opening that your baby may crawl into or roll over.
If you are worried about the security of a sleeper in bed you should consider attending an LLL meeting or speaking to a Sleep Leader to learn more about the sleep habits of breastfeeding mothers and infants. They can provide guidance on how to create a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby and help to understand the dangers of SIDS. They can also help you understand how to enjoy the'sweet sleep that nursing mothers love that includes many protective factors similar to breastfeeding.